‘Any information you have’: Witness call for Bowen State School historical 1980s sexual abuse case

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers are appealing for anyone who attended Bowen State School between ‘80 and ‘81 to contact them to help ‘add context’ to a historical sexual abuse claim.

Lawyers representing a historical sexual abuse claim that allegedly took place at Bowen State School in the 80s are appeal for information.

Anyone who attended Bowen State School in the early 80s is being encouraged to contact Maurice Blackburn Lawyers to help ‘add context’ to a historical sexual abuse claim.

Lawyer Sherrilea Discombe is currently representing a person who’s come forward about being sexually abused when he was nine and 10-years-old by a male teacher in ‘80 and ‘81.

Ms Discombe said anybody who attended the school during that period, or has yearbooks, pictures, or newspaper clippings, should reach out to them.

“Sometimes people think what they have isn’t significant, but it can be that last piece to the puzzle or create a lead,” Ms Discombe said.

“Please give us any information you have about the school in general, teachers, or if you saw abuse.”

Bowen State School was established in 1865 and caters from prep to year six.

According to the abuse claim, the teacher allegedly started out by grooming the child by paying special attention to him, sitting with him at lunch, buying him lollies and giving him money.

The teacher would also allegedly take the child outside school property during school hours to buy him chocolates and lollies.

One of the school’s heritage-listed buildings.

Ms Discombe said once the man had gained the child’s trust, the child alleges the conduct progressed to “serious sexual abuse”.

“The teacher would also transport the child after school in his car, which is where (it’s alleged) a lot of the abuse happened,” she said.

“We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and we are still gathering evidence in anticipation of bringing a civil claim to court.”

Witnesses can contact Maurice Blackburn Lawyers on 07 5430 8713 or [e-mail]

Originally published as ‘Any information you have’: Witness call for Bowen State School historical 1980s sexual abuse case